What is Feedforward Control? Definition and Example

Feedforward control is a control process that involves taking action to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. It's a proactive approach to management that focuses on identifying potential issues and taking steps to mitigate them before they become a problem.

For example, a company might implement a feedforward control system to prevent customer complaints by conducting regular quality checks on its products. By identifying and addressing potential defects early on, the company can avoid customer dissatisfaction and potential product recalls.

Here are some key characteristics of feedforward control:

• Proactive: It focuses on preventing problems rather than reacting to them after they occur.
• Predictive: It relies on forecasting and planning to anticipate potential issues.
• Preemptive: It involves taking action to prevent problems before they happen.

Feedforward control is often used in conjunction with other types of control, such as feedback control and concurrent control. However, it is a valuable tool for any organization that wants to improve its efficiency and effectiveness by preventing problems from occurring in the first place.